The Honda CR-Z is a compact hybrid electric automobile marketed by Honda as a “sporty hybrid coupe”. The CR-Z combines a hybrid gasoline-electric power train with traditional sports car elements. The CR-Z is regarded as the spiritual successor to the second generation Honda CR-X in both name and exterior design. Sales of the CR-Z began in Japan in February 2010, and became Honda’s third hybrid electric car in the market, along with the Civic Hybrid and the Insight.

Essentially, we speculate on partial of the reason behind of discontinuing the Civic Type R line-up as their sport range might relate to the CR-Z. Potentially, Honda is doing it by giving way to the sporty hybrid coupe while maintaining a greener environment.

The project leader, Norio Tomobe, worked previously as chief engineer on Mobilio Spike and Elysion. The basic concept of CR-Z is said to create a fun-to-drive sports car driving characteristics Honda aspired from that of the Elise, as well as the Mini and Volkswagen Scirocco.

The CR-Z is powered by a 1.5L i-VTEC inline-4 engine with Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid-electric system mated with a six-speed manual transmission is standard equipment. The system delivers a combined peak output of 122 bhp at 6000 rpm and 174 Nm at 1000 to 1500 rpm. The gasoline motor itself contributes only 111 bhp at 6000 rpm and 144 Nm at 4800 rpm.

Back to the topic, Fifth Gear has published their own video review of the CR-Z with road tests. Check out the video on the below.

Gallery: 2011 Honda CR-Z

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Back in late 80′s, Honda CR-X is a hot thing. After two decade, now comes the 2011 Honda CR-Z.

The Wall Street Journal reported that orders for Honda’s CR-Z in Japan are 10 times higher than expected. Initially, Honda is only expecting order of 1,000 units per month in Japan, but total orders have now exceeded 10,000. 90% of orders have been placed by men, with most between 30 and 50. Half of those buyers were new to the brand, and Honda is now just 2000 vehicles away from its conservative first-year prediction of 12,000.

Around 9000 orders have been placed for the top spec CR-Z EX, which, at 2,498,000 yen, it comes with a premium sound system with subwoofer, auto on/off HID headlights and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Honda CR-Z will be debuts in the US and Europe in the next couple of months, Honda target to sell between 40,000 and 50,000 CR-Z models around the world each year.

Whether or not that the Honda CR-Z is coming to Malaysia, it is still remained as query at this point of time! However, I believe Honda Malaysia will be more than happy to listen what’s in our wish list in 2011. Hence, keep the feedback on.

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The Honda CR-Z is basic hot compact coupe that runs on Hybird Technology. But now, the japanese aftermarket tuner have make it hotter than ever.

Spoon fitted the new CR-Z with its CR93 wheels along with upgraded calipers clamping onto 15-inch slotted discs. A ride height lowered by 50mm with a set of suspension upgrade, while the exterior parts has been replace with the addition of a carbon fiber hood, mirrors and front lip spoiler.

More importantly, a new N1 exhaust has been fitted and Spoon modded the ECU to churn out a few extra horsepower. There’s no word on what the rejiggered computer and exhaust is good for power-wise or how Spoon is manipulating the hybrid drive system to boost performance, but considering the track record of Spoon. We can expect some good results after tuning up.

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Honda Motor announced CR-Z sporty hybrid model will go on sale in February 2010. The Honda CR-Z will leverage the unique characteristics of Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) – which currently adapted in the Honda Civic Hybrid of our shores. Honda CR-Z is the shorthand for “Compact Renaissance-Zero” which means the CR-Z is a forward-thinking exercise in inspired design and environmental technology. The CR-Z draws its inspiration from a need to deliver spirited performance in an efficient manner.

The CR-Z concept vehicle made its world debut at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show in 2007. The CR-Z sporty hybrid will feature advanced technologies that deliver enjoyable driving for all while reducing the vehicle’s environmental footprint.

Go to Official Honda CR-Z Site >>

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